Chapter 6

Manuscript Format Elements

The Rules: Manuscript format is the
only format to use when you are submitting your script to theater
companies, contests, publishers, agents and other theater opportunities. The
guiding principle here is easy reading.

No particular font, like the Courier 12 point in
screenwriting, is the rule. I prefer Times Roman for its ease of reading, but
Courier or any other simple, clear font is acceptable. Cursive fonts or
handwritten corrections are not acceptable. Whichever font you choose, though,
keep the size at 12 points for reading ease.

Play Page Layout

The Rules:

Use 8.5" by 11" paper (3 hole punch if possible).

Top and bottom margins are about 1".

Right margin is also 1". Left margin, where the binding is, is approximately
1.5".

Page numbering starts on page 2, place a page number in the upper right hand
corner (in the header).

Do not number the Cast Page.

Note: See International Submission setting at end of document.

Software Tip: Script formatting
software knows how to put off page numbering till the right place. As we go
along other rules are either incorporated or quickly set up in the software,
too.